how bad is the pain from psoriatic arthritis

Hi Mimi

I have had psoriatic arthritis for 5 years. The pain varies from joint to joint. I have it in elbows, wrists, fingers, neck, knees, ankles and toes. My knees hurt constantly and stairs are a problem. My toes seem to lock and dislocate a lot making walking and dancing a problem. The pain is not too bad sometimes and terrible others. My fingers lock when typing and doing other little jobs. I am tired most of the time and if we have a family 'do' I go, dressed up, make up on, enjoy myself and for the next 5 days or so I suffer. I try to not let it get me down, and not to stop me doing things otherwise at 50 I will go loopy. Have you been diagnosed with PA? How long have you had it? How much pain are you in? What drugs are you taking?

Ronnie x

Dear Ronnie-

Thank you so much for responding. No, I haven't been diagnosed but have my Rheumatologists appt. on Tues. I feel as if an alien has invaded my sad little body. It started with just my big toe 2 years ago - was treated for everything but arthritis with it - I guess this is hard for MDs to diagnose. I just learned to walk differently. A recent Xray has shown significant erosion. Then 2 months ago my thumb went berserk with pain, swelling, etc. Now I've added joint after joint after joint. The pain and fatigue is overwhelming. And like you, the play you pay thing is definitely there. I'm on meloxicam right now and if it is working, then I'd hate to imagine what life would be like without it. I guess my main problem is that everything I used to do - just a regular day - is so hard. I've always been a go-girl and now I've just stopped. I have fear that all of this is just in my head (female conditioning by the medical profession). I also fear this chronic condition thing. I'm also vain enough to worry about deformity in my hands - My nails are lifting and that's bad enough - but it's the weird little things that really bother me. My fingernails hurt - shooting pains - and the fact that I feel like a whiney little baby. Well, thank you for listening. I've tried not to make a big deal out of this with my family - don't want to worry them - plus I've always been in large and in charge - It's a little hard to maintain that when getting out of bed is a challenge. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Hi Mimi,

I am on steroids and diclofenac for the pain and swelling, it helps. Did you have psoriassis at some point? My advice is make a list of everthing you have and how you feel every day, tell the rheumatologist everything. On good days do as much as you can, on bad days (flare ups) dont do anything but the necessary, that way you will not get agitated that you cant do things. Hot baths help me, rubbing ibuleve in the joints after hot bath, painkillers, and rest all help. I cannot do half that I could do even last year, and I find the disease very very frustrating. I have also just had major surgery on my bowel (in December) and getting better from that slowly. My mum has cancer and we are all hoping she pulls thru the treatment etc. So not been good time for me and the family. I have accepted the arhtritis but it doesnt mean I am happy with it, it annoys me at times.

If I can help, please ask.

Ronnie